What is MTrek?
MTrek is an opportunity for incoming MBA1s to connect with their new classmates and MBA2 leaders in an exciting domestic or global destination before the school year officially starts! Led by 3-4 MBA2s, groups of 16 MBA1s will hit the road together for a roughly week-long adventure trek. 2025 Trek locations range from Argentina and Romania to Spain and Brazil. Each trek will have pre-planned activities and free time for the group to bond, have fun, and make amazing memories before classes start.
MTrek 2025 will occur from Friday, August 15 to Sunday, August 24.
What is Mystery Trek?
Mystery Trek is a long, long, long, long, longstanding Ross/MTrek tradition. Each year a self-selecting group of MBA1s heads out to an unknown destination with their MBA2 trek leaders (don’t worry, they know where… maybe…). Airfare is bundled into the package cost of the trek to keep the location a true mystery. MBA2 trek leaders will provide a packing list and maybe a few hints along the way. Note that for 2025 Mystery Trek will not require any additional visa requirements – so both domestic and international students are encouraged and welcome to include in their rankings.
When do classes begin?
Classes begin on Monday, August 25. You are expected to attend classes and will not be excused from the first day if you choose to attend MTrek.
When is orientation?
The MBA Program Office will run orientation from Monday, August 11, to Thursday, August 14, with optional programming on Friday, August 15.
Who can sign up? What’s the process?
MTrek is available only for full-time MBA students at Ross. For incoming MBA1s, there will be a sign-up period in late April/early May 2025 for R1/R2 admits and in late May 2025 for R3 admits. During this period, you can rank your top trek locations. Once your preferences are in and your non-refundable deposit is paid, our team will assign you to a trek based on your rankings. Please note we will not place anyone on a trek they did not rank.
Who pays for/how much is MTrek?
Each traveler is expected to pay for all individual costs associated with their trek (i.e., the quoted package cost price, airfare, trip insurance, incidental purchases, etc.).
Wait… so who plans these treks?
Quest is the external travel agency we work with to plan trek itineraries and logistics. They set the quoted package cost for each trek, but your MBA2 trek leaders will work hard to curate an amazing itinerary!
What is/is not included in the package cost price of each trek?
The quoted package cost of each trek will include:
- All activities mentioned in the formal itinerary
- Transportation to/from said activities
- A few meals
- Hotel accommodations
- A local tour guide
- 24/7 operations/emergency contact team
- Travel health insurance
The quoted package cost of each trek will NOT include:
- Flights to and from the destination
- International airport departure tax
- Any visas required
- Additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Late check-out at hotels
- Meals and drinks not included in the itinerary
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Trip Insurance
- Other personal expenditures (e.g., optional activities)
How does the payment process work?
All payments are made directly to Quest. Each traveler will be expected to pay a non-refundable $500 deposit. Deposit deadlines will be communicated based on class year and admission decision dates. While deposits are non-refundable, they are transferable between treks if any changes need to happen. The full package cost of each trek will be due by June 2025.
What happens if I miss a payment deadline?
Each situation will be assessed individually. Reach out to the MTrek Board at: [email protected].
Are partners welcome?
Of course! Partners are welcome on all treks. Romantic partners only, no friends please, as these trips are reserved only for members of the Ross community.
Should I purchase trip insurance?
Yes, travel insurance is strongly encouraged as unforeseen circumstances (flight delays, cancellations, etc.) happen all the time. The MTrek board will obtain travel health insurance for all Ross students (Partners are ineligible for this plan) participating in MTrek. More details on this plan will be shared once you are assigned to a trek.
If you have any additional questions, please reach out to [email protected]